WHMIS test and answers

Here are 20 sample questions and WHMIS test answers and hints. You are free to use these questions and answers as an additional resource as you prepare for WHMIS training in your workplace.

Acute has over 100 years of combined experience with in-house or on-site worker environmental and safety training. We want to help you get the training you need to keep your workers safe.

This test includes true or false sample questions, definitions, multiple-choice, and pictogram (symbols) questions.

Tip: Grab a notebook and a pencil. Jot down the questions and try to answer them before looking at the hints/answers!

WHMIS Test Answers

This is one of the first things you will likely be taught in your WHMIS training class. If you aren’t sure of the answer, feel free to go back and read the first paragraph of the article. Understanding the acronym is the first step to understanding WHMIS training. (Question source)

WHMIS is more than just a training course – it is the law. If you answered false to this question, you were correct! WHMIS first became law in 1998. (Question source)

Workers have more than one duty under WHMIS. It is important to know and understand your rights and duties as a worker, and that includes your duties under WHMIS. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) states that workers must:

  • Participate in WHMIS training programs
  • Take necessary steps to protect themselves and other workers
  • Participate in controlling and identifying hazards

(Question source)

Did you know that there have been recent changes to WHMIS? Canada has now aligned WHMIS with GHS. Can you guess what that stands for? If you’ve never heard of it before, it stands for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. (Question source)

What do signals tell you? They alert you to something. Signal words in WHMIS are words that alert you and let you know how hazardous a product is. Note: Some hazard classes or categories do not have signal words. (Question source)

Think of common cleaning products and chemicals you use regularly. How many different signal words can you think of? If you could only think of two, that’s because there are only two signal words: “Danger” and “Warning.” “Danger” is used for higher-risk products, while “Warning” is used for lower-risk products. (Question source)

Before you can answer this question, you need to know what a hazard group is. A hazard group is a grouping of hazards defined by the properties of the product.

This may seem like a trick question. Before GHS, the two major hazard groups were: The physical hazards group and the health hazards group. However, GHS introduced a third hazard group. Can you think of what it is? (Question source)

*Tip: Do You Work with Hazardous Substances? HAZWOPER Training Can Keep You Safe.

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. HAZWOPER training is important for anyone who is exposed to hazardous substances and who is engaged in operations including clean-up, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

If you eliminate hazards based on the physical and chemical properties of the product (Physical hazards), and you eliminate hazards based on the ability of a hazard to affect health (Health hazards), what do you have left? The third hazards group defined by the GHS is the Environmental hazards group. (Question source)

Answers –

A) 3

B) 5

C) 8

D) 10 +

It may be hard to keep track of all the hazard classes because there are 19 hazard classes for physical hazards! If you guessed D, you were correct. If you’d like to read about all the hazard classes for both physical hazards and health hazards, click here.  (Question source)

We may use the word “fumes” in everyday language, but do we actually know the scientific definition of it? Fumes are tiny, airborne, solid particles formed when a hot vapour cools. Fumes are smaller than dust and can be easily breathed into the lungs. (Question source)

Eye irritation is actually a very specific classification. Products classified by Eye Irritation produce changes in the eye that are fully reversible within 21 days.

Eye Irritation includes many symptoms including redness, swelling, and more. (Question source)

You will likely come across this question in one way or another during your WHMIS training. When trying to remember the definition of a hazard, try to remember what the word ‘hazard’ means in common language. WHMIS defines the term “hazard” as the potential for harmful effects. (Question source)

WHMIS Test Answers and Hints – Symbols

The next section of WHMIS test answers will cover WHMIS Pictograms. Some questions will just include the Pictogram name, while others will include the name and symbol as a hint.

flame
skull_and_crossbones

*Tip: Stay Safe at Work With Respirators That Fit Properly

If you work around hazardous chemicals and other materials and need to wear a respirator, ensure that your respirator fits properly. A respirator that doesn’t fit properly or is the wrong type, could mean that you are not properly protected. ACUTE offers respirator and quantitative fit testing that can help you be sure that you are fully protected.

quantitative fit testing

WHMIS Test Answers Training – Want Real Training Today?

Are you ready to really test your WHMIS knowledge? Searching for online WHMIS tests, answers, and hints can only take you so far. Remember, WHMIS training is mandatory for any worker who works with or is potentially exposed to hazardous products in the workplace. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the WHMIS system, contact the experienced trainers at ACUTE today!

    Training With ACUTE

    With over 100 years of combined experience, you can be sure to receive quality, hands-on training from knowledgeable and experienced staff. Here are some of the differences when training with ACUTE:

    • Open Door Instructor-Student Partnership – ACUTE’s training services emphasize client participation. Our staff want to build a relationship with clients and serve as a touchstone for advice anytime moving forward.
    • Serving Your Team and Industry – With a vast array of clients in the manufacturing, construction, health, academic, and government sectors, ACUTE brings the best safety practices from across the spectrum to your workplace.
    • 100 Years Combined Experience – ACUTE provides comprehensive health and safety trainingon-site safety services, and consulting services. With over 100 years of combined experience, our company staff offer more than theoretical or abstract ideas. ACUTE offers solutions.
    • Track Record of Success – ACUTE is rated 4.9/5 stars on Google reviews, demonstrating a commitment to our clients, quality, and passion for training.

    What Our Customers Are Saying…

    “ACUTE’s trainers have a passion for the material and care about their clients.”
    – Rob, Tank Manufacturing Company

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